Information For

Popular Searches

The Office of Financial Aid »

Educational Loans

Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid. Loan funds are intended to assist a student in educational expenses only. Students and families should consider their future loan debt and ability to repay before committing to borrow.

Federal Student Loans

  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loans may be included as part of a need-based financial aid package. Payments on principal and interest are deferred as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time. The interest rate is 5.40% for 2023-2024.
  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are awarded to students not eligible for the subsidized loan. Interest accrues to the student while in school but may be deferred and capitalized prior to entering repayment. The interest rate is 5.40% for 2023-2024.

The U.S. Department of Education requires all first-time federal direct loan borrowers to complete an Loan Entrance Counseling session and sign a Master Promissory Note prior to receiving their loan proceeds. Please also note the Code of Conduct for Educational Loans.

Please visit studentaid.gov for more information regarding student loans and up-to-date information regarding various relief opportunities for federal student loans including loan amounts and payments.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students

Loans are available to parents of dependent students to help cover the difference between the cost of attendance and any financial aid awarded to the student. Parents have the option of the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) and loans offered by private lenders. For a comparison on these options click here.

Private Parent and Student Loans

Various private lenders offer educational loans. These include loans to students (with and without co-signers), as well as to parents. Interest rates, deferment options and annual/aggregate maximum loan amounts vary by lender. To compare loan options through various lenders Ripon College students have utilized in the past, click here. For more information about these resources, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

If you have a private loan and would like more information on how to set up your account with your loan servicer, click here: Private Lenders Contact Information.